inactive

adjective

in·​ac·​tive (ˌ)i-ˈnak-tiv How to pronounce inactive (audio)
: not active: such as
a(1)
b(1)
: being out of use
(2)
: relating to or being members of the armed forces who are not performing or available for military duties
(3)
of a disease : quiescent
c(1)
: chemically inert
(2)
: optically neutral in polarized light
d
: biologically inert especially because of the loss of some quality (such as infectivity or antigenicity)
inactively adverb
inactivity noun
Choose the Right Synonym for inactive

inactive, idle, inert, passive, supine mean not engaged in work or activity.

inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.

on inactive status as an astronaut
inactive accounts

idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.

workers were idle in the fields

inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity.

inert ingredients in drugs
an inert citizenry

passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control.

passive resistance

supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.

a supine willingness to play the fool

Examples of inactive in a Sentence

Inactive people suffer higher rates of heart disease. it's easiest to catch snakes early in the morning, while they're still cold and inactive
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Herbert was inactive Sunday for the second consecutive week. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024 Data from Microsoft has shown, for instance, that MFA has been inactive in approximately 99% of all successful digital intrusions. Christophe Van De Weyer, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Advertisement White struggled to regain his form, however, and with cornerback Darious Williams returning from injured reserve and the Rams looking for a boost in the secondary, White was inactive the last three games. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 With the facility inactive, the company has been forced to dismiss the former coal miners brought on as technicians. Joel Khalili, WIRED, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inactive 

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inactive was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near inactive

Cite this Entry

“Inactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inactive. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

inactive

adjective
in·​ac·​tive (ˈ)in-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce inactive (audio)
: not active: as
a
: slow to move or act : sluggish
b
: being out of use or activity
an inactive mine
an inactive volcano
c
: inert
argon is chemically inactive
inactively adverb

Medical Definition

inactive

adjective
in·​ac·​tive (ˈ)in-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce inactive (audio)
: not active: as
a
: marked by deliberate or enforced absence of activity or effort
forced by illness to lead an inactive life
b
of a disease : not progressing or fulminant : quiescent
c(1)
: chemically inert
inactive charcoal
(2)
: not exhibiting optical activity in polarized light
d
: biologically inert especially because of the loss of some quality (as infectivity or antigenicity)
inactivity noun
plural inactivities

More from Merriam-Webster on inactive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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